NYC Moving Tips - NY Relocation Made Easy | Big Apple Movers NYC

How to Organize a Housewarming Party Right After Moving In?

The moving process can be long and rather complex, so you want it to be over as soon as possible. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. Most of the time, you don`t even have the time to think about organizing a housewarming party after you move in. It is only when you lock the doors to your new house, that you realize you have another important task ahead of you. Well, we are here to help you organize a housewarming party right after moving in in an easy and stress-free way.

Organize a Housewarming Party Right After Moving In
A housewarming party is usually held soon after moving into a new home.

When is the right time to organize a housewarming party?

Organizing a welcoming party right after you move in can mean several things. You can host it two days or twenty days after you move in, and it would still be okay. Don`t put a lot of pressure on your back by wanting to organize the party too soon.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy

As with everything in life, you should enjoy what you do. After you move in, you will be faced with countless moving boxes of belongings that need to be carefully placed in the perfect spot. You will also want to have as much rest as possible. So, first, we recommend that you rest well, and then sort out the moving boxes NYC as you seem fit. It would take you around a week to finish all of this, and you can host a party then.

Steps for organizing a perfect housewarming party

There are certain things that will make your housewarming party excellent and most importantly welcoming. Here is what you need to do in order to have happy guests in your new home.

Send out the invitations

Think thoroughly about who will you call to the party. Your party should consist of only the people you love and or/want to get to know better, like your new neighbors. Send out the invitations, and remember to ask for confirmation. You should know exactly who will be able to make it to your party a few days before the party begins. Of course, you don`t have to send out the invitations, if you want to e-mail your guests. Or you can phone them, as well.

Clean the house

Go through your house and clean it thoroughly. We assume that you have done this a couple of times already, so perhaps only dusting and vacuuming can be enough. The important thing is that there is not much visible clutter. Check out for unpacked moving boxes. You can either store them in a certain room or unpack them. We understand how difficult can be to beat unpacking procrastination. Don`t strive for perfection, there is always something extra that you could do, but throwing a simple housewarming party is the best thing you can do.

Cleaning a New Home Before You Organize a Housewarming Party
Do not clean until you are all unpacked and settled in.

Decorate your home

Decorations are a wonderful way to make the party even better. However, there is no need to exaggerate at all. A few balloons, the sign that says welcome, a couple of fresh flower bouquets will do wonders for your home. You can get all of this at the DIY store and at the market. Remember to keep it simple, because your guests want to see your home and you, and not the decorations. Be ready to give your guests a tour of the house, as they will be delighted to see it.

Can you host a party in your backyard?

If you have a backyard, and the weather outside is sunny and decently warm, you can throw a welcoming party in your backyard easily. You will spend more time in the fresh air, be able to make barbeque, and your guests will be delighted. If you do not have enough chairs, ask your guests to bring some with them. Also, prepare the speakers for a little bit of music that you can all enjoy.

Organizing a Housewarming Party in the Backyard
You can set prepare a dining table outdoors with food and drink for housewarming party

Get food and snacks

The time of the day when you organize the party says a lot about the type of party. For example, if you invite your guests over at noon or at 7 pm, it is only fair to assume that you will serve them lunch or dinner. Note that you don`t have to do this, you can just invite them earlier or later during the day. It is also a good idea to specify whether you will be serving lunch, dinner, or simply snacks. Both ways are great, this is only done to avoid confusion and hungry guests.

Throwing a Housewarming Party as a Way of Saying Hi to Your New Neighbors
Get enough food, drinks, and snacks for a housewarming party.

Order food in

If you choose to bring over people for a meal, we highly suggest that you order food in. Preparing meals for a bunch of people can be quite exhausting. So, in order not to be tired at your very own housewarming party, it is better to order food in. This will also be a great opportunity for you to get to know your new neighborhood better.

Self-serving is the right way to go

All you will need for this is two smaller tables or one large one. Place the cups, beverages, plates, food, snacks, and utensils on the tables. Invite your friends to help themselves to whatever they want. This will save you a lot of time and effort, while everyone will be served. Just monitor the supplies closely and fill in what is missing. Your guests won`t mind this, and you will be able to mingle, chat, and simply have fun instead of serving all day long.

Perfection is a recipe for a stressful day

Whatever you do, do it calmly and in a stress-free manner. We know that you want everything to be perfect for your guests. And while this is admirable, in reality, you don`t have to stress out about every inch of your new home. Keep the rooms clean, with simple decorations, and everything will be just fine. The goal is to have a wonderful time with the people that you appreciate and love. It is a great idea to take a few photos of you with your guests, and of your house, as right now you are making memories. Brooklyn moving and storage wishes you good luck!

Moving Out of State Checklist

Relocating across the country is a complex undertaking that demands meticulous forethought and preparation. It is imperative to have a comprehensive overview of the task at hand and ample time to organize the move. To facilitate a smooth transition, we offer some practical suggestions to enhance productivity during the relocation process and create a comprehensive checklist for moving out of state.

Plan for a Moving Out of State Checklist

Organize the Budget

Prior to commencing the process of planning, organizing, and engaging a moving agency, it is imperative to undertake a comprehensive budgetary analysis. Moving expenses can be exorbitant, particularly when relocating to another state or across the country.

Therefore, it is recommended to document all anticipated expenses and allocate an additional 10% of the total cost to cater for any unforeseen expenses that may arise.

movers pricing

Visit the New Place or Do Research

Prior to commencing the relocation process to a new city or state, it is highly recommended to acquaint oneself with the new living environment by means of a visit. A tour of the future town or acquisition of a guide book can facilitate exploration of the area.

It is advisable to inspect the new apartment and neighborhood, and ascertain the proximity of essential facilities such as a police station, hospital, or school. This information will prove beneficial when organizing the relocation in its entirety.

Research Educational Places

Prior to commencing the relocation process to a new city or state, it is highly recommended to acquaint oneself with the new living environment by means of a visit. A tour of the future town or acquisition of a guide book can facilitate exploration of the area.

It is advisable to inspect the new apartment and neighborhood, and ascertain the proximity of essential facilities such as a police station, hospital, or school. This information will prove beneficial when organizing the relocation in its entirety.

Cancel the Utilities

When you relocate to a new state, there is nothing worse than entering an apartment without electricity and water. Therefore, contact your utility company before you move into the new apartment and arrange from which date everything should be ready.

You may not have to worry about it if your estate owner takes care of these things. However, if that is not the case, then you will need to think for both sides- to inform the previous utility company, and cancel their further services from your old apartment, and to arrange for your new one.

Take Your Medical and Other Records with You

Medical documentation probably is not on your priority list at this moment when you are moving to another state, but you need to consider bringing with you all copies of necessary documents that you might need for a fresh start in a new place.

Get a New Driving License

Moving from one part to another in a new town is easier when you have your vehicle. Especially if you have children, using public transportation can be a little hectic. For that reason, you should check state laws and get a new driving license with a specific time window after moving. In some states, you will need to register your vehicle, and that will require some documentation like proof of residency, proof of identity, social security number, etc.

Driver License Permit Application

Forward Your Mail

Prior to commencing the relocation process to a new city or state, it is highly recommended to acquaint oneself with the new living environment by means of a visit. A tour of the future town or acquisition of a guide book can facilitate exploration of the area. It is advisable to inspect the new apartment and neighborhood, and ascertain the proximity of essential facilities such as a police station, hospital, or school. This information will prove beneficial when organizing the relocation in its entirety.

Establish a New Residence

Once you move into a new house and get all your properties, you need to establish a domicile in your new place. The reason why it is important to establish a legal domicile is for tax and vote purposes. Otherwise, you can end-up owning taxes in more than one state and be in huge problems with the law. Each state has varied guidelines, so the best way is to contact the state official website for more information.

Make a Plan for Packing

Prior to commencing the sorting and boxing of your belongings, it is imperative to devise a comprehensive plan. It is recommended to determine the starting point and prioritize the items to be packed, as relocating to a different city can be a daunting task.

Commencing with the packing of non-essential items is advisable. In the event that you have the luxury of a few weeks before the scheduled move, it is prudent to utilize this time to pack all items in a timely manner.

It is recommended to pack items such as home decor, books, and electronics in a separate box, ensuring that any empty spaces are filled with packing paper or bubble-wrap to prevent damage to your possessions.

moving plan

Never forget to label moving boxes with the items inside! With time getting closer, you can start with the packing of your essential items, but keep in mind to prepare one small suitcase with personal stuff. During shipping, very often there can be a delay, and the moving truck can arrive after 2-3 weeks, so it is better to be ready for sudden situations and have necessary things with you, including your uniform or clothes for a couple of days. One small tip, always keep your wallet, passport, charger, or medications close to you.

Use Moving Company Services

Finding a good and trustworthy moving company requires research and time. When you are researching long distance movers NYC, always check moving companies reviews from previous customers because their experience can tell you a lot about customer service and the professional work of the company.

Contact 4-5 different companies to obtain a quote. Every company has their estimator who will come and check the size and weight of your possessions. After checking, he will tell you approximately the charge of their services. If movers give you moving quotes NYC without previous checking, then you should think about other options because there is a possibility to be involved in a moving scam.

11 Frequently Damaged Items During a Move

Without proper organization and planning, moving to another place is always a challenging process. Despite your thinking about every detail, there is some chance to have some unexpected damages. There are a lot of different reasons why this can happen. Some of them we can control and avoid but some, unfortunately, we can’t. Here is a list of the most frequently damaged items during a move and how we can protect them.

Drinking Glasses

One of the Frequently Damaged Items During a Move is Glassware

You need to be extra careful when packing glassware. These kinds of items are very delicate because they are very fragile, and in case they crack or broke this can cause deep cuts and injuries. Except for this, you need to be extremely careful and not to hurt yourself during packing.

It is important to take note of the appropriate storage method for the glasses within the box. The key factor is to select a box that is of the appropriate size and to wrap each glass in paper prior to placement. The paper should be folded on the side and the glasses should be positioned vertically within the box. Once the first layer of glasses has been arranged, it is recommended to place packing paper on top and in between each glass, if space permits.

Plates

Usually, during a move, you can hear and feel how they shake in the box because we didn’t pack them completely. Packing the plates is very simple, place them vertically with paper between the plates and on the side to make them more secure, and choose the right moving boxes to pack them in.

Lampshades

Lampshades can pose a challenge when it comes to packing due to their size and shape, making them susceptible to breakage if not handled with care. To ensure their safe transportation, it is recommended to utilize bubble wrap as a protective measure. This involves covering all sides of the lamp with the wrap, while also placing packing paper in any empty spaces. Additionally, it is advisable to insert more paper between the wrap and the box to prevent any shifting during transit.

Wine and Liquor Bottles

wine bottle

 

Moving a wine collection is very difficult because most of the bottles are glass bottles, and if you do not store them correctly, there is a big chance to damage them. Therefore, roll every bottle in 4-5 layers of paper, secure with tape (especially on the bottom side), and make sure there are no loose ends. Always use the divided or cell box with a smaller size, because caring a big cardboard box can be very heavy and unsafe. If you have some open bottles, make sure to seal them properly before rolling in paper and place in the box.

Mirrors and Glass Pictures

The common mistake people make when packing mirrors/glass pictures is- they don’t cover the items enough with packing paper and protect them in the box. After opening, as a result, we have broken or scratched stuff. When you are doing packing alone, the best option to protect them is using a bubble wrap before setting into the appropriate box. All gaps, pad with crumpled paper inside the box. When you finish, close the box with tape and mark FRAGILE with packing labels or write with marker on the cardboard box, from both sides.

Artwork

Collecting art requires a lot of love and affection. There is not only about the material value, usually, is some private feeling connected with a particular piece, and seeing them broken or damaged can make you very disappointed or sad. Well, if you would like to prevent this kind of situation, a better option is to hire professional packers. However, if you decide to do these alone, line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper, cover the picture with bubble wrap, and place it in the box. Make sure the box is full of the packing paper without space inside.

Books

bookstore

 

We think packing books is an easy and fast job, but the surprising fact is, we don’t consider how these simple things can cause damage to our precious possessions. For that reason, when you are packing books, place heavier and bigger books on the bottom of the box, and put them flat and horizontally in the box to avoid folding the pages and their damage.

Electronics

Today electronics are taking a massive place in every home, except that, can be a bit expansive too. Generally, the most common mistake while packing electronics are people forgetting how these objects can be fragile and stuff a couple of items together in the same box and damage them. Packing electronics is not too different from packing other things from your home. Take precautions every time when you are moving larger sizes of electronics (TVs, computers, etc.) they can slip easily. To protect them, you can use anything, a blanket, pillowcases, towels, or if you feel safer, you can use anti-static bubble wrap too. Don’t forget to place some packing paper inside the box to prevent potential movements and damage during transportation. When you wrap and pack everything, mark on the box THIS SIDE UP and FRAGILE.

Sporting Equipment

Similar to electronics, moving this kind of item requires to be done very carefully because replacing them can be a little costly. Moving a treadmill or rowing machine can be hard. The best way is to read the guidance for oversized and sensitive equipment before you start.

Furniture Edges

When you are lifting a heavy object, there is always a possibility to damage them. The best way is to disassemble furniture in smaller pieces. Otherwise, it will be hard to take them out, and there is a possibility to get broken or damaged. All smaller disassembled items, wrap them and pack in one box before you lose them. If you need help to disassemble your furniture, call your friends or hire experienced movers to help.

Liquid Cleaning Supplies

People forget very often to protect bottles with cleaning liquid, which can make issues if they start to leak inside the box. Before stuffing them in the box, make sure you closed the bottles because the liquid can spread out and damage other items too. Every bottle you should cover with plastic or paper, and wrap with tape before placing them in the box. Again, write on every box what sort of liquid is inside the box, and do not pack flammable items!

furniture move

 

We hope this list of the most frequently damaged items during a move can help prevent some damages. If you are at all unsure about packing the fragile items listed above and your packing skill, ask for help. Do not hesitate to call full service moving NYC today to request moving quotes NYC.

Tips for Moving in Bad Weather

It is universally desired that the process of relocation transpires with utmost ease. The success of the execution is contingent upon various factors, including the proficiency of the movers, our level of forbearance, our degree of motivation, and other such variables.

Inclement weather conditions can prove to be a significant impediment to the moving process, as no one wishes to transport cumbersome items amidst a downpour. To mitigate the impact of unfavorable weather, we offer the following recommendations to facilitate a seamless relocation experience.

Clear the Path for Moving in Bad Weather

When Moving in Bad Weather, It's Important to Clear the Path

Whether you are making a DIY move or decided to hire a NYC movers, you should make sure that the driveway is clear. Imagine carrying a piece of furniture and you slip and fall because the driveway is slippery from snow or rain. First, put salt all around to prevent ice from forming. The next tool you will need is a shovel, and you should keep it ready in case it starts snowing heavily.

Make Arrangements

When engaging the services of a relocation firm, it is advisable to engage in a discussion with them regarding their policies in the event of inclement weather. It is imperative to ascertain the modifications that may be implemented in the event of extreme temperatures to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Prepare in Advance

Although it is beyond one’s control to influence the weather, there are certain measures that can be taken to ensure preparedness. In the event of high temperatures, it is advisable to stock up on an ample supply of refreshments and to remember to bring along sunblock, hats, and lightweight clothing. Conversely, if one resides in an area that is characterized by low temperatures, it is prudent to have a winter jacket, gloves, hats, and non-slip boots at the ready.

In anticipation of rain, it is recommended to have a rain jacket and sufficient umbrellas for all parties involved. Additionally, it is important to safeguard personal belongings and indoor flooring from potential water damage.

Pack Wisely

Pack Wisely When Moving in Bad Weather

If you know that bad weather might happen on your moving day, be extra careful when packing items. Add an extra layer of protection, and consider using plastic covers and moving pads for anything that can be affected by extreme weather conditions.

This is extremely important if you have high-value items. Those should have an extra layer of bubble wrap or similar material that will protect it from scratches as well as from snow or rain. If you are not sure how to pack and protect your items, you can always hire packing services.

Get Waterproof Containers

prevent moisture in your apartment

When relocating, the majority of individuals opt for conventional cardboard moving boxes. Nevertheless, there exist alternative container options that are suitable for inclement weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Rather than utilizing customary moving boxes, it is advisable to procure waterproof containers via online channels. These containers are particularly useful for safeguarding items that are highly susceptible to water damage, such as books.

Floors

Movers or your helpers will have to go in and out of your home to transport furniture to the moving vehicle. If there is a lot of mood and rain outside, it will make a mess in your home. Cover all the paths in your home with blankets or any old cloths. You can use moving pads or old towels as well.

Stay Flexible

If weather conditions are too bad, movers may cancel the move for another day. It is extremely important to keep your cool and arm yourself with patience. It is anyone’s best interest to stay safe and avoid injuries. Moving companies have a lot of experience and they are the best to make a call to keep everyone safe.

Hire Professionals

If you are worried about your move and if you will be able to execute it under extreme weather conditions, go for full-service movers. They will take care of everything related to the move, including packing, carrying, and transporting. It might be more pricey than DIY, but it will save you a lot of time and nerves.

There are a lot of advantages of professional movers over DIY moving. Imagine heavy snow and yourself carrying a heavy item with a slippery driveway. Besides potential injury, it is also possible that it will cost a lot of nerves to get things done. Only getting around the city when it’s raining is difficult enough, let alone carrying things to and from the moving truck. Another thing worth mentioning is driving in bad weather.

movers

If one happens to reside in New York City, they are well aware of the arduousness of traffic during inclement weather. However, by enlisting the services of professional movers, one can alleviate the burden of navigating through congested roadways and encountering anxious drivers. Moreover, such experts are equipped to handle any unforeseen complications that may arise in such circumstances.

Take Pictures

Making a home inventory before moving is a must. Hopefully, you did that already. The next step to take is taking pictures of your belongings. There is always a chance that some of your possessions will get damaged, especially when dealing with bad weather. Pictures serve you as proof in case you have to get insurance for damaged items. It only takes a few minutes, but having proof of your item’s condition can be really valuable.

Be Fast with Unpacking

Leaving damp boxes unattended can lead to unfavorable outcomes. It is advisable to unpack them as soon as possible. Although the process of relocation can be exhausting, it is crucial to expedite the unpacking process to ensure a successful outcome.

In the case of cardboard boxes, particularly those with tears or rips, it is imperative to unpack them immediately. It is also recommended to remove all moving pads and blankets to allow for proper ventilation of your belongings. Failure to do so may result in further damage if left damp and covered.

How to Compare Moving Companies?

It is widely acknowledged that residing in New York City is a remarkable experience, offering a plethora of opportunities and lifestyle options to suit everyone’s preferences. Nevertheless, the abundance of choices can often be overwhelming and pose a challenge when it comes to decision-making. Among the crucial decisions to be made is determining the location and type of accommodation that best aligns with one’s needs and preferences.

When you set your mind on one borough and find a suitable home, chances are you will need help with relocating. When that happens, the right moving company will be what makes or breaks your whole moving experience. You can go for so many different movers that choosing one can become a nerve-racking decision, so learn how to compare moving companies.

It is advisable to allocate sufficient time to conduct thorough research and consider various factors before making a decision. The following text provides valuable insights to aid in this process. It is important to prioritize your requirements and select a moving company that aligns with them, even if it means opting for a higher-priced option.

Depending on individual needs, some may prefer art movers in NYC, while others may require full-service movers to manage all aspects of their move. For those seeking guidance on how to identify a trustworthy moving company and make an informed choice, a comprehensive guide on comparing moving companies in NYC is available.

Get Online

The first thing to do when comparing moving companies is to get online and do a thorough check on each you are eyeing to hire. Begin with researching their license and insurance number. There are numerous ways to do so.

American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) is one of them. Movers should be a member to prove their credibility. Another great website you should visit is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). That is an organization that is non-profit and its purpose is to protect consumers.

Every company that wants to be a member has to go through a vetting process and that tells you a great deal about the way a company runs its business. Besides those, there are plenty more pages that exist to help consumers in various sections. Whichever you choose, just make sure it has a proper registration.

compare movers reviews

Compare Reviews of Several Movers

The modern age allows us to find basically anything about anybody. One benefit of the internet is that you can find NYC moving companies reviews and see how their moving went with the company you are considering. Search for relevant experience and don’t get discouraged if you come across one bad review. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints because that will tell you about their customer service.

Get in Touch

Upon reviewing reviews and narrowing down your options, it is recommended to contact each company. Despite positive comments, it is advisable to personally assess the company. Engaging with multiple representatives will provide insight into their treatment of potential customers.

Inquire about their credibility, experience, services, potential issues, and insurance. Pose all relevant questions to aid in your decision-making process. Observe their level of politeness and willingness to address your concerns. If satisfied with their customer service, proceed to request a quote.

Compare Quotes

Gaining an understanding of the average price is a crucial step in the process of selecting a moving company. The most effective approach is to obtain multiple quotes and evaluate the pricing offered by each provider. Reputable movers will typically provide an onsite estimate to ensure the accuracy of the pricing. Alternatively, a virtual estimate can be conducted via phone chat, during which a representative will conduct a walkthrough of your home.

Once you have obtained several quotes, it is important to compare the moving companies carefully. It is advisable to exercise caution when selecting the most affordable mover, as this may be indicative of fraudulent activity. Many unscrupulous companies offer prices that seem too good to be true, only to later reveal hidden costs that make the overall expense significantly higher.

movers pricing

Another reason for the extremely cheap price can be poor services, which you definitely want to avoid when moving house. Instead of going for the lowest price, rather search for a moving company that has a good balance between price and services, and that works best for your current situation.

Get Informed

The next thing to do when comparing moving companies is to them about their services. Ask your movers what kind of services are they offering, and what is included in the price they quoted. Compare services offered by different movers. Some movers will offer full-service, which includes packing NYC, carrying, transporting, basically the whole moving process.

Others might only offer transport or specialize in specific moves such as fine art movers, piano moving companies, etc. This can also be your red light when dealing with scams. The reason for that is that they offer a low quote but the truth is not much is included in it.

After the move is done, you will find that price is much higher than originally arranged because they will add extra services which end up being a surprising cost.

Questions

Once you went through checking the license and gave a call to the moving company, review how the call went. Moving is an important step in everybody’s lives and it should be as convenient as possible. Some questions can help you understand whether they are appropriate for hiring or not. After the call, ask yourself these questions:

  • Were they polite?
  • Have they offered to visit your home?
  • Have they provided a free estimate?
  • Was the estimate extremely different than other companies’ quotes?
  • Have they provided all information about their services?
  • Have they been opened to answer all of your questions?
  • What about their license – have they responded to your request to get physical proof of their license?

 

Are you searching for the top moving company NYC? Have you been wondering how to make the right choice and get the best service possible? Big Apple movers might be the right solution for you. Get online or contact us directly to get all the information about our business. We are happy to answer all of your questions and find the solution to all of your concerns. Our company has been successfully executing short-distance and long-distance moves. We also have skills and tools for any type of relocation, including office and commercial relocation. Contact us today to get free moving quotes NYC.

4 Useful Tips for Finding a Great Moving Company

If you’re planning on moving soon, you’ll need to hire a reputable NYC moving company. While it is possible to DIY your move, it’s not recommended. Moving by yourself is a major hassle, and moving furniture and heavy boxes is easier said than done. If your budget allows for it, it’s a better idea to hire a professional moving company. Unfortunately, moving scams are surprisingly common, so it’s important to find local movers who have a good reputation and are properly licensed. Follow these 4 useful tips for finding a great moving company.

1. Ask around in your network to help you find a great moving company

Do a Research Online for Finding a Great Moving Company

Word of mouth is a coveted (but hard to get) form of marketing. That’s because it has to be legitimately earned through exceptional service. One of the best ways to find a great moving company New York is to ask people you know for a recommendation. Chances are you have a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who can recommend someone. Ask around in your network if anyone has moved recently. If they have a good experience, it is a great reference. Successfully completed move from a close person is a pretty good bet. Remember to do the same for someone after you complete your move by leaving a review.

Moving Companies Reviews in NYC

Speaking of reviews, the online era gives you the freedom to do a complete check on the company you are eyeing to hire. Go online and search for NYC moving companies reviews. Read impressions from their previous customers to see how many of them were satisfied with a service. Search for comments relatable to your situation. For example, if you are moving long-distance, read comments specifically addressing that type of move. Don’t get discouraged if you come upon one bad comment. However, pay attention if movers respond to the complaint in a professional manner and if they are searching for ways to solve the issue. The way they handle problems will tell you a great deal about how they run their business.

2. Look up moving companies on the USDOT website

Interstate movers are regulated by the US DOT. They maintain an online database of moving companies, which lets you see their previous consumer complaints and safety performance records. You can view their US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to verify that they’re registered with the federal government. You can also look up the company on other resources like the Better Business Bureau. That is a non-profit organization that works to protect consumers and expose fraudulent or poor service. Each company needs to go through a vetting process to become a BBB member.

Woman writing, laptop on the lap

You can also check the company’s license and insurance number to make sure they operate in a legal manner. Furthermore, get in touch with movers. Give them a call and speak to the representative that can answer your questions about the company’s credentials. Feel free to ask them if they can provide proof of their license number, and pay attention to the person you speak if they are polite and open to answering your questions. It will give you some more insight into the way they operate and if you want to make arrangements with them.

3. Get estimates from more than one moving company

Shady or illegitimate moving companies often give suspiciously low estimates. If you’re not even sure how much your move should cost, you may not realize that you’ve been given a low-ball quote. It’s a good idea to get estimates from more than one moving company, to get a better idea of reasonable pricing. All reputable movers will offer an on-site estimate to determine the price. Take this with a grain of salt because it might be easier to get an online estimate due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever the case might be, keep in mind that movers have to see your property in order to provide a quote. Compare quotes from a few different movers to find the average price. After you decide what works for you regarding the budget, you can proceed to details regarding the services they are offering.

4. Don’t go with the lowest bidder

Research Online Moving Companies NYC

It’s only natural to look around for the best deal. But be careful because an abnormally low estimate can be a sign that something’s not right. It could be that the company doesn’t do good work, or it could even be a scam where they’ll bill you for a lot more on moving day. Normally, your final cost won’t be more than 110% of your original non-binding estimate, but some companies will pull a bait-and-switch that lures you in with a lowball estimate. You already got several quotes, so it’s easy to see whether one of them stands out. If the price seems too good to be true, it most probably is. Be very careful not to hire the lowest bidder in case it differs extremely from all the others.

Also, check if proper paperwork is following because you should always get a signed contract with your movers. It can be binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed, it depends on your preference which you will choose. But if your amazing-low-price movers are not providing a written and signed contract, you are better off finding another one.

Moving Companies in NYC

Hire Professional Movers to Avoid Moving Scams

Moving in NYC? At Big Apple Movers, we provide residential and commercial relocation services for both local moves and long-distance moves. To find out more, call us anytime, or get in touch today to get a free moving quote.

 

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